Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1887-12-15

I any DHTbCulAf uutlDl6 Qrtlcie OF nome pro
uction, below the limit which it mi; hit otherwise
reack under our tariff laws, and if, with such re-
duced price, its manufacture continues to thrive.
it is entirely evident that one thing has been
discovered which should be carefully scrutinized
In an efforG to reduce taxation. The necessity OF
combination to maintain the price of any com
modityl the tariff point furnishes proof that
such commodity, and that such prices are re-
munerative; and later prices produced by COM
petition prove the same thing. Thus where
either of these conditions exist case would
seem to be presented for an easy reduction OF
taxation.
The considerations which have been presented
touching our tariff laws are intended only to en-
force an earnest recommendation that the sur
plus revenues Of the government be prevented by
the reduction Of our customs duties, and, at the
same time to emphasize suggestion that in ac-
ccmplishing this purpose, we may discharge q
double duty to our people by granting to them a
measure of relief nom tariff taxation in quarters
where il is most needed and from sources where
il can be most fairly and justly accorded. Nor
can the presentation made Of such consideration
be- with any degree Of fairness, regarded as evil
dence OF unfriendlyness toward our manufactur-
ing in erests or of any lack Of appreciation OF
their value and Importance. These interests
constitute a leading and most substantial ele-
ment Of our national greatness and furnish the
proud proof of our country's progress. But IL in
the emergency that presses upon us our manu-
facturers are asked 20 surrender something for
the public good and to avert disaster, their patr-
otisna, as well as a grateful recognition Of adj
vaniages already afforded, should lead them to
willing cooperation. No demand is made that
they shall forego all the benefits of governmental
regard; but they cannot fail to be admon-
ishtd Of their duty, as well as their enlightened
self-interest and safety, when they are reminded
OF the fact that financial panic and collapse, to
which the present condition tends, afford no
greater shelter or protection TO our manufactures
than TO our Other important enterprises. Oppor-
tunity for safe, careful and deliberate reform Is
now offered; and none Of US should be unmind-
full of time when an abused and irriated people,
needless Of those who have resisted timely and
reasonable relief, may insist upon a radical and
sweeping recti6catiOn of their wrongs.
The difficulty attending wise and fair revis-
vison OF oar tariff laws is not under-estimated.
1t will require the part of congress great labor
and and especially broad and national
contemplation OF the subject, and patriotic dis
regard Of such local and selfish claims as are I'M
reasonable and reckless Of the welfare Of the en-
tire country.
Under our present laws more than 4 600 articles
are subject 70 duty. Many Of these do not in any
way compete with our own manufactures, and
many are hardly worth attention as subjects OF
revenue. A COM iderabia reduction can be made
IN the aggregate by adding them To the free list.
ne taxation Of Injuries present nc features O.